Called the “Puncture-Pedic,” this brainchild of Dr. Elaine Gluckman and students Nilin Rao and Craig Verdin is meant to be an over-the-counter solution for foot pain associated with neuropathy, ulcers and other foot ailments primarily experienced by diabetic patients.

Diabetic patients have to be wary of pressure since, when combined with lack of feeling in their feet, it can cause sores and wounds to open up on the feet.

The Puncture-pedic insole is designed with specific “punctures” that can be punched out in order to lessen the pressure to one or more targeted areas of the foot.

Each of the punctures beneath pressure points on the insole are made in concentric circles, so patients can punch out the places where ulcers form, and then add the pieces back as the ulcer heals.

While most patients being treated for ulcers will receive a special pressure-relieving shoe or boot from their podiatrist, the creators of this new insole contend that their new product could be a more discreet option for individuals.

While the insoles sound like a great innovation, and will be available over the counter once they hit the market, I would hate for anyone suffering from a foot ulcer to attempt to treat their condition without the careful oversight of their doctor.

Ulcers should be considered limb-and-life threatening emergencies that need immediate medical attention. In fact, if you have any concerns about your diabetic foot health, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible. It is much easier to treat a minor problem like a blister or corn, preventing it from progressing, than to address a serious condition like an ulcer, so early intervention is always your best bet.